Posts: 9

Topic: Just received a call from the Surgeon

After 8 rounds of chemo and 40 lost pounds, mom needed a break. Her scans showed minimal improvement, though her bilirubin return to normal and she is eating well. A month later she gained 6 lbs and moved back home!

She had a small setback as she blacked out and hit her head on the stone floor. After five days in the hospital, they found a small clot in her lung. She is on the mend and getting stronger each day.

MSKCC and Fox Chase said no to surgery, but I sent the records to Dr. Kato and forgot about it since it was way before the holidays. Received a call today saying Dr. Kato says her can resect!

I'm a little nervous as mom started radiation this week and since 2 surgeons said no, Dr. Kato said yes. I am nervous to have her go for the operation, but what choice do we have since she wants to live!

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Oh, Laura, that is just the greatest news. Of course you are nerous but remember once he is in there he is not going to do anything he can't really do! PLEASE LET US KNOW THE DATE AND WE WILL ALL BE PRAYING FOR GOD TO COME THROUGH THE HANDS OF THE SURGEON.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Laura:Praying for your mom. Dr. Kato wouldn't try it if he didn't think he could do it... Of course it's scary, but it's the best choice!

KrisJ"Don't just have minutes in the day; have moments in time."Any opinions I give are based on personal experiences, and are not based on medical knowledge. I strongly suggest receiving medical care and opinions.

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Hi Lauren,

I think it is great Dr. Kato will be able to help your Mom. It is very normal to be scared. Like others have said, he wouldn't even attempt surgery if he wasn't confident of being able to help. All the best to both of you. Please keep us up to date.

Love,-Pam

My beautiful daughter, Lauren Patrice, will live on in my heart forever.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I don't know why I am so scared. Mom is 79, always so strong, but has aged since diagnosis. I know it will be a good thing, but the unknown is always so scary. Just wish we all could just click our heels and make this ugly disease go away.

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

You have no idea how much I understand what you are feeling. My sentiments, exactly. Best wishes for you and your Mom.

Love,-Pam

My beautiful daughter, Lauren Patrice, will live on in my heart forever.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Re: Just received a call from the Surgeon

Sorry Lauren:Darned autocorrect "fixed" your name.I know it's scary but the alternative is worse. I was talking to a friend the other day about resection, and I said that last year, when I thought I was going to get to have one, I never even let myself think "what if"? I was just so happy to have the chance to kick butt that I didn't worry about if things went wrong.I tried clicking my heels, too, and it didn't work. Then I got mad at God for making me go through this. Then I finally accepted that he (or she) has a reason and I just have to accept that until they find a cure I will live with cancer. Emphasis on the word "live".My thoughts and prayers are with your family and that Dr. Kato has the skill to give your mom her second chance.

KrisJ"Don't just have minutes in the day; have moments in time."Any opinions I give are based on personal experiences, and are not based on medical knowledge. I strongly suggest receiving medical care and opinions.

The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.